Anamika Talwaria investigates what you need to know about this efficient heating choice

Underfloor heating runs throughout this property, controlled by Rehau’s sleek NEA 2.0 smart thermostat. The system learns and adapts to your heating routines, and can also be manually controlled via an app, or through home voice assistants

Offering a warm feeling underfoot and a steady room temperature, it’s no wonder that waterbased underfloor heating (UFH) is so popular amongst self builders. The technology consists of a series of special hot water pipes laid under your floor finish that efficiently distribute constant, low-grade heat around the room from the ground up. Like all aspects of self build, planning is key, so here’s how to get UFH right.

Key benefits of UFH

You can expect a consistent temperature, customisable in each room or zone, and even heat distribution throughout. The warmth gently rises from the floor upwards, which feels more comfortable than the constantly circulating hot air you get with radiator-based systems.

As it’s heating a larger surface area (ie your entire floor), your UFH system can run at a lower temperature than radiators. This can save energy, reduce the load on the boiler and save you money. If you’ve opted for a standard screeded system, you’re also going to benefit from the thermal mass of the screed itself, which will store heat and release it slowly as the house cools.